The journal, however, notices that the number of 'optimistic businessmen' in Croatia is on a mild decline given that last year the percentage of those who were optimistic was higher.
According to the results of the poll, presented at the annual assembly of the Croatian Chamber of the Economy (HGK) last week, 54 percent of businessmen are looking forward to the new year.
Thirty six (36) percent of respondents believe results in 2005 will be the same as in 2004, while 11 percent fear their business results will be worse.
The poll shows that 79 percent of respondents are intending to invest in expanding the volume of business, and 57 percent believe their companies' exports will increase.
The respondents, employed in 108 companies, cite the exchange rate of the national currency kuna, a lack of competitiveness which was ascribed high labour costs and insufficient support by the government as the three major obstacles for attempts to increase exports.